Ideas at Play: An Occupational Therapy (OT) Podcast

Michele Alaniz & Lacy Wright
  • 5.0 (18)
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Welcome to Ideas at Play, the go-to podcast for busy pediatric occupational therapy professionals! Whether you're in school-based settings, early intervention, or outpatient practice, we bring you evidence-based strategies, practical tips, and engaging discussions to support your OT practice with children, teens, and young adults. Each episode features: A deep dive into recent pediatric OT research and how to apply it."Nailed It or Failed It," where we share what’s working—and what isn’t—in our pediatric OT practice.Real-world examples and listener questions about all things pediatric occupational therapy.Shout outs to People, Places, and Products that fill our occupational therapy hearts Join the hosts, Michele Alaniz, OTD, OTR/L, BCP and Lacy Wright, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, as we explore innovative OT ideas, share professional insights, and help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in pediatric occupational therapy. Subscribe now and unlock actionable strategies to help the children you serve thrive! Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter https://forms.gle/2aceiDDHBq6LR5TV6. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play Keywords: occupational therapy, OT, pediatric occupational therapy, evidence based practice, peds OT

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 51 Sensory-Based Interventions - Tools or Toys?

    Sensory tools are a staple in pediatric OT—but not all of them are doing what we think they are. In this episode, we take a clear-eyed look at the evidence behind sensory-based interventions, from weighted vests and fidgets to caregiver coaching and environmental modifications. Drawing from a recent systematic review, we discuss what actually supports participation, what shows mixed results, and how to make data-driven decisions without losing sight of  day-to-day practice realities.  We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.  Piller, A., McHugh Conlin, J., Glennon, T. J., Andelin, L., Teng, K., & Tarver, T. (2025). Systematic review of sensory-based interventions for children and youth (2015–2024). Frontiers in Pediatrics, 13, 1720179. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2025.1720179  Get the OT Evidence Checklist mentioned in the episode  here  💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

    36 min

  2. JAN 28

    Ep. 50 Listener Questions: Pediatric OT in the Real World

    Episode 50 is all about YOU! Michele and Lacy tackle the questions that keep pediatric occupational therapists thinking, problem-solving, and sometimes scratching their heads. We dive into recommending OT service minutes with evidence (not guesswork) explore how AI can make your OT life easier while keeping therapy person-centered, and share prep hacks that save time without skimping on quality. Plus, we get real about finding mentorship and continuing education to fit you. It’s practical, honest, and full of those “aha!” moments that keep ideas—and your OT sessions—fresh and fun. Articles/Resources mentioned: Listen to episode 20 with Dr. Iona Novak and learn more about the READ Model in this article.   Novak, I., Te Velde, A., Hines, A., Stanton, E., McNamara, M., Paton, M. C. B., Finch-Edmondson, M., & Morgan, C. (2021). Rehabilitation evidence-based decision-making: The READ model. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2, 726410. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2021.726410 Listen to episode 40 with Dr. Heather Kuhaneck and read about the development of the Classroom Sensory Environment Assessment (C-SEA) at https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.019430 Thank you to our sponsor OccupationalTherapy.com!  Use the code PLAY25 to support the show and get a free month of continuing education access when you sign up today at our podcast link  https://fas.st/t/Fe79v8vU 💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

    41 min

  3. JAN 21

    Ep. 49 Folinic Acid and Autism: Translating the Research for Occupational Therapy

    Folinic acid has been showing up everywhere in conversations about autism—but what does the research actually tell us, and why should occupational therapists pay attention? In this episode of Ideas at Play, we break down a high-quality randomized controlled trial on folinic acid and translate the findings into practical, OT-relevant insights. We unpack the brain-based “why,” highlight what the study found (including changes related to autism characteristics and language), and talk about how this information fits into real-world practice. As always, we center participation, functional outcomes, and collaboration with families and medical teams. This episode is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Families should always consult their physician before starting or changing supplements or medications. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.  Panda, P. K., Sharawat, I. K., Saha, S., Gupta, D., Palayullakandi, A., & Meena, K. (2024). Efficacy of oral folinic acid supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Journal of Pediatrics, 183(11), 4827–4835. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-024-05762-6 Update 2/4/26: The article we featured by Panda et al. (2024) was retracted on 1/29/26.  It was discovered that the authors handled the data inappropriately and the journal lost confidence in the findings.  Despite this, there is still solid evidence supporting the use of folinic acid with autistic children.  Here are a few additional articles that support the information provided in this episode.    Additional Citations: Hoxha, B., Hoxha, M., Domi, E., Gervasoni, J., Persichilli, S., Malaj, V., & Zappacosta, B. (2021). Folic Acid and Autism: A Systematic Review of the Current State of Knowledge. Cells, 10(8), 1976. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10081976  Rossignol, D. A., & Frye, R. E. (2021). Cerebral Folate Deficiency, Folate Receptor Alpha Autoantibodies and Leucovorin (Folinic Acid) Treatment in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(11), 1141. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11111141 Sener, E. F., Oztop, D. B., & Ozkul, Y. (2014). MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism in autism spectrum disorders. Genetics Research International, 2014, Article 698574. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/698574 Bobrowski-Khoury, N., Ramaekers, V. T., Sequeira, J. M., & Quadros, E. V. (2021). Folate receptor alpha autoantibodies in autism spectrum disorders: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(8), Article 710. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11080710 💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

    35 min

  4. JAN 14

    Ep. 48 Effective Collaboration With Teachers

    Everyone agrees that collaboration with teachers matters in school-based OT practice, yet many occupational therapists struggle to make it work in real life. In this episode, we go beyond polite check-ins and quick info-sharing to unpack what effective interprofessional collaboration really looks like. We unpack a qualitative study and the key ingredients that make collaboration work: protected time and space, trust and power-sharing, and turning shared ideas into real classroom action. This conversation reframes collaboration as something you build together, not just talk about. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.  Quigley, D., & Smith, M. (2022). Achieving effective interprofessional practice between speech and language therapists and teachers: An epistemological perspective. Child Language Teaching and Therapy, 38(2), 126–150. https://doi.org/10.1177/02656590211064544 💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

    35 min

  5. JAN 7

    Ep. 47 10-Minute Executive Function Interventions for ADHD

    Struggling to find practical interventions for kids with ADHD that actually improve executive function and/or mental health? This episode breaks down a Canadian study comparing two 10-minute interventions—exercise and mindfulness meditation—and their immediate effects on inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. We explain what worked best, why it works (hello, default mode network and prefrontal cortex activation), and how occupational therapists can implement these strategies in therapy sessions or as home programs. These interventions are easy to use as preparatory activities before challenging tasks, during transitions, or as part of a bottom-up OT approach to executive function deficits. Plus, Lacy shares creative ways to use different types of dice to add fun and modify activities in your therapy sessions. We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too.  Bigelow, H., Gottlieb, M. D., Ogrodnik, M., Graham, J. D., & Fenesi, B. (2021). The differential impact of acute exercise and mindfulness meditation on executive functioning and psycho-emotional well-being in children and youth with ADHD. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 660845. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.660845 KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; evidence-based practice; OT; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; executive function; ADHD; intervention; exercise; mindful meditation 💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

    38 min

  6. 12/31/2025

    Ep. 46 Zones of Regulation: the Good, the Bad, and the OT Way (Encore)

    What happens when one of occupational therapy's most beloved programs gets put under the research microscope? Turns out Zones of Regulation—despite being wildly popular—has a shaky evidence base. BUT don’t panic and throw out all your materials, we've got some promising news. A new study shows what happens when you take Zones and actually do it the occupational therapy way: with OT scaffolding techniques, play-based activities, positive reinforcement, and environmental modifications. We explore why some previous research falls short, what this new "OT Zones of Regulation" approach achieved (hello, goal attainment!), and how occupational therapists can bridge that frustrating gap between clinic success and home carryover. Plus, Michele also spills about her biggest career regret involving salary negotiation. 👉 Click here to get the OT Zones of Regulation fidelity measure & planning resources, shared with permission by the author. Thank you Dr. Peters! We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the articles too.  Peters, B. C., Gabriels, R., Schmid, A. A., et al. (2024). Occupational therapy using Zones of Regulation™ concepts: A feasibility study. OTJR: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, 44(4), 597-609. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492241246549 Mason, B. K., Leaf, J. B., & Gerhardt, P. F. (2023). A Research Review of the Zones of Regulation Program. The Journal of Special Education, 57(4), 219-229. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224669231170202  💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

    42 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    Ep. 45 The Ultimate Evidence Guide: What 52 Pediatric OT Interventions & 90 Years of Research Reveal (Encore)

    Tired of Googling for interventions that actually work? We dive into the mother of all systematic reviews covering 129 studies and 52 occupational therapy interventions across nine decades of pediatric OT research. Discover which interventions landed in the green zone (do these!), which fell into the red (avoid!), and why parent collaboration and occupation-based approaches consistently outperform bottom-up methods. Michele and Lacy discuss this evidence-based, color-coded roadmap that you can apply in your therapy sessions tomorrow. Plus they answer a listener question about the differences between sensory integration, sensory processing, sensory stimulation, and sensory desensitization.  ***In episode 20, Lacy and Michele interview one of the authors of this article, Dr. Iona Novak. She shares new intervention updates and trends she has seen since this publication.   We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the original article too. Novak, I., & Honan, I. (2019). Effectiveness of paediatric occupational therapy for children with disabilities: A systematic review. Australian occupational therapy journal, 66(3), 258-273. 💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

    42 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Ep. 44 AOTA Children & Youth Conference Recap

    Michele and Lacy recap the AOTA Children & Youth Conference where they presented on sleep interventions, hard conversations with families, and community-based fieldwork. They share the hottest topics in pediatric OT—parent collaboration, mental health strategies, handwriting, and more—plus the conversations and products that made this conference memorable. 💡Want to hear more about Ideas at Work or get on our waitlist?  Send us an email to IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

    28 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Welcome to Ideas at Play, the go-to podcast for busy pediatric occupational therapy professionals! Whether you're in school-based settings, early intervention, or outpatient practice, we bring you evidence-based strategies, practical tips, and engaging discussions to support your OT practice with children, teens, and young adults. Each episode features: A deep dive into recent pediatric OT research and how to apply it."Nailed It or Failed It," where we share what’s working—and what isn’t—in our pediatric OT practice.Real-world examples and listener questions about all things pediatric occupational therapy.Shout outs to People, Places, and Products that fill our occupational therapy hearts Join the hosts, Michele Alaniz, OTD, OTR/L, BCP and Lacy Wright, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, as we explore innovative OT ideas, share professional insights, and help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in pediatric occupational therapy. Subscribe now and unlock actionable strategies to help the children you serve thrive! Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful! ✏️ Sign up for our newsletter https://forms.gle/2aceiDDHBq6LR5TV6. 📧 Email us a question or comment at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com 👉 Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play Keywords: occupational therapy, OT, pediatric occupational therapy, evidence based practice, peds OT

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